Thomson

It’s a heck of a way to run a pre-election campaign. On the eve of an expected election, politicians usually spend their time playing up good news, downplaying the bad, shaking hands and kissing babies.

Atomic to the rescue with waxless Skin Tecs

Skitech Skis

Photograph by: Skitech Skis
, Skitech Skis

Cross country or Nordic skiers have long had a love/hate affair with their skis. The “hate” part often comes with the alchemy that makes up properly waxing skis. Proper waxing provides glide when skiing on the flats and gentle downhills, yet grips on uphills – without the skis slipping backwards. It’s a supremely tricky balancing act, especially when elevation and changing weather conditions can render even the most experienced waxing specialists crazy, especially if you’re racing in a loppet or going for a long distance training ski.

Well, Atomic rides in to the rescue with its new “Skin Tec” waxless skis. Waxless skis have been around for awhile and have had their issues over the years; the fishscale texturing on the base makes a disturbing hum (caused by the vibrations of the scales). Most waxless skis are sold in the budget category—indeed, racing purists would never go near a fishscale ski.

That, however, is about to change. Glenn Bond, director of Glenn Bond Ski Camps that are held each winter in Sun Peaks and Whistler, has been extensively testing the new Atomics in early season snow near his home in Vernon. He says, “Atomic has the only Skin Tec skis on the market right now , Salomon will have one next year and I am sure others will follow as it is already a best seller. Instead of using grip wax, the ski has a mohair insert similar to the kind of mohair texture that backcountry skiers use. I’ve been using it and it’s awesome—much better than fish scales.